SINDH Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has disclosed the alarming scale of damage inflicted on the province’s education sector by the 2022 floods.
According to official figures, a staggering 19,808 schools across Sindh were damaged during the catastrophe. Of these, 2,268 schools were completely destroyed, while 3,197 suffered partial damage. The government, working through provincial, federal and donor-funded programs, has so far taken up the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 5,465 schools. The stark reality remains that 14,343 schools are still awaiting restoration.
Pakistan, as a nation, is already grappling with a serious educational crisis. Millions of children remain out of school due to social, economic and infrastructural challenges. The prolonged delay in reconstructing flood-damaged schools in Sindh only worsens this situation, depriving thousands of children of their fundamental right to education. The fact that nearly four years have passed since the devastating floods, yet a large majority of schools remain in disrepair, is deeply concerning. The scale of reconstruction undertaken so far is far less than what the situation demands and this state of affairs cannot be ignored. Education is the foundation of any progressive society. Every day that a school remains non-functional is a day lost for the children who are already struggling to access basic learning opportunities. The Sindh government must urgently prioritize the completion of all damaged schools.
It is crucial that the authorities ensure these schools are not only rebuilt but also equipped with necessary facilities, safe learning environments and trained teachers to meet the educational needs of their students. Furthermore, given the magnitude of the crisis, it is imperative that national leadership takes a keen interest in accelerating the restoration process. President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari must pay special attention to this matter, providing guidance and oversight to ensure that reconstruction efforts are expedited. The restoration of Sindh’s schools is not merely an administrative responsibility; it is a moral obligation and a national priority. Education cannot wait, and neither can the future of our children. It is time for decisive action to ensure that every damaged school is rebuilt promptly and every student regains access to quality education. Sindh’s children deserve nothing less.
